Plum Crumble

Plum Crumble with Vanilla Sauce – a Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6

When it comes to delicious and comforting desserts, plum crumble is on the top of many people's favorites list. This simple and quick recipe combines the natural sweetness of plums with a crunchy topping, while the vanilla sauce adds a touch of refinement that will transform any meal into a true celebration.

Crumble has deep roots in culinary traditions, with origins that trace back to the history of home cooking. It is a dessert that has evolved over the years, easily adaptable depending on the seasonal fruits. Whether you choose apples, peaches, or plums, this dessert is always a wise choice, full of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the crumble:
- 150 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 100 g butter (preferably at room temperature)

For the filling:
- 600 g plums (about 10-12 large plums)
- 4 tablespoons sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon

For the vanilla sauce:
- 350 ml milk
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Necessary utensils

- Mixing bowl
- Silicone molds or a baking dish
- Saucepan for the sauce
- Spatula or whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the crumble

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour and sugar. Make sure to mix them well so that the sugar disperses evenly in the flour.

2. Add the butter: Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour and sugar mixture. Use your fingers to rub the ingredients together until you achieve a crumbly texture, similar to wet sand.

3. Chill the dough: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crunchy crust after baking.

Step 2: Preparing the plums

1. Cleaning the plums: Wash the plums under cold running water, then cut them in half and remove the pits. Cut each half into four pieces, creating uniformly sized chunks.

2. Arranging the plums: In a baking dish or silicone molds, place the cut plums. Sprinkle the four tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon on top. These will add a sweet and aromatic flavor, perfectly complementing the natural acidity of the plums.

Step 3: Assembling the crumble

1. Preheating the oven: While the plums mingle with the sugar and cinnamon, preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Combining the ingredients: Take the crumble dough out of the refrigerator and, using your fingers, crumble it evenly over the plums in the dish. This crumbly texture will become crunchy and delicious during baking.

3. Baking: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the crumble turns golden and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen will be irresistible!

Step 4: Preparing the vanilla sauce

1. Boiling the milk: In a saucepan, add 300 ml of milk and bring it to a boil over medium heat.

2. Mixing the ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, egg yolk, and sugar. Add the remaining milk (50 ml) and mix well to obtain a smooth mixture.

3. Incorporating the mixture: Once the milk has started to boil, remove the saucepan from the heat and pour in the cornstarch and yolk mixture, stirring continuously. Return the saucepan to low heat and continue stirring until the sauce thickens. Finally, add the vanilla extract. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

Serving

Serving the plum crumble is a special moment: pour the warm vanilla sauce over the portions of crumble just taken out of the oven. This combination of textures – crunchy crust and juicy fruits, alongside the creamy sauce – will delight your guests.

Tips and Variations

- Alternative fruits: If you don't have plums on hand, you can experiment with apples, pears, or peaches. Each variation will bring a unique note to your dessert.
- Serving: This crumble pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt, providing a contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Enriching the sauce: You can add chocolate pieces or even a splash of rum to the vanilla sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Nutritional Benefits

Plums are not only delicious but also very healthy. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamins C and K, and consuming them can aid in healthy digestion. Additionally, the butter and sugar in the crumble provide energy, but it's best to consume them in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use canned plums?
Yes, but make sure to drain them well to avoid a soggy dessert.

2. How can I make the dessert lower in calories?
You can replace sugar with a natural sweetener or a bit of honey, and the butter can be substituted with coconut oil.

3. Is the crumble good the next day?
Although it tastes best fresh out of the oven, you can store it in the refrigerator for the next day. Gently reheat it to regain its crunchy texture.

I hope you enjoy every bite of this plum crumble with vanilla sauce! Be sure to keep this recipe in your personal archive, as it will surely become a favorite among friends and family. Enjoy your meal!